Book Review- Danielle Steel The Cast

This week I received a press copy of the wonderful Danielle Steel and her new book The Cast- which I simply could not put down!

Danielle Steel follows a talented and creative woman as she launches her first television series, helping to recruit an unforgettable cast that will bring a dramatic family saga to the screen.

Kait Whittier has built her magazine column into a hugely respected read followed by fans across the country. She loves her work and adores her grown children, treasuring the time they spend together. But after two marriages, she prefers to avoid the complications and uncertainties of a new love.

I particularly liked this set up of the story, I love hearing tales of people in the media and women who are stronger than they imagined they are but it is shown in a subtle way and something she discovers on her own through opportunity.

The story evolves after a chance meeting with Zack Winter, a television producer visiting Manhattan from Los Angeles, and everything changes. Inspired by the true story of her own indomitable grandmother, Kait creates the storyline for a TV series. And when she shares her work with Zack, he is impressed and decides to make this his next big-budget project.

Within weeks, Kait is plunged into a colorful world of actors and industry pros who will bring her vision to life. A cool, competent director. An eccentric young screenwriter. A world-famous actress coping with private tragedy. A reclusive grande dame from Hollywood’s Golden Age. A sizzling starlet whose ego outstrips her abilities. L.A.’s latest “bad boy” actor, whose affairs are setting the city on fire. An unknown ingénue with outsized talent. And a rugged, legendary leading man. As secrets are shared, the cast becomes a second family for Kait. But in the midst of this charmed year, she is suddenly forced to confront the greatest challenge a mother could ever know.

The strength of women—across generations and among friends, colleagues, and family—takes centre stage in this irresistible novel, as all-too-real people find the courage to persevere in life’s drama of heartbreak and joy.

I love that the world of journalism interlinks with the acting world. After spending some time in LA myself and obtaining a permanent resident visa it really hit home how crazy the acting world is! It brought back many memories of meeting casting directors and feeling not so confident myself, which is not a good trait in LA- you need to be a hard nosed hustler! Although the opportunity presents itself to Kait she has the talent and determination to pull it off and seal the deal.

Danielle Steels writing reminds me of Jackie Collins but a lot less steamy! It’s seamless, fluid and like your having a cup of tea and cake with an old friend, completely inviting, riveting and captures you the moment you turn the pages. And turn the pages you can! I couldn’t put it down. It’s one of those novels even when it’s late and you have the lamp on in bed you still can’t put it down and I devoured it in a couple of sittings.

That’s why I think it would make a great holiday read. The characters could be people you know (but just with a touch more glamour) and they are inviting and warm. Danielle once again executes a beautiful story (no wonder she has sold nearly a billion copies worldwide of books!)